Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company since the 2001 model year. The first Ford SUV derived from a car platform, the Escape fell below the Ford Explorer in size; the Escape is currently sized between the Ford EcoSport and Ford Edge. The 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid-electric vehicle from Ford, and the first hybrid produced as an SUV.
| Ford Escape | |
|---|---|
2021 Escape Hybrid (US) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called |
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| Production | 2000–present |
| Model years | 2001–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Maverick (Europe) |
| Successor | Ford Territory (Middle East, South America, Philippines and Vietnam) |
The first two generations of the Escape used the Ford CD2 platform (jointly developed with Mazda), leading to the release of the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner; as with the Escape, both the Tribute and Mariner were marketed in North America. In Europe, the Escape was initially branded as the Ford Maverick from 2001 to 2008 (replacing a Nissan-produced SUV).
Under the mid-2000s "One Ford" globalization strategy, the third and fourth-generation designs of the Escape have been unified with the Ford Kuga, designed by Ford of Europe. Sharing a common body and chassis underpinnings (and several engines), the Escape and Kuga are manufactured in their home markets. As with previous generations, the fourth-generation Escape is offered with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Outside of North America, the Ford Escape is marketed in Australia, China, and Taiwan.